03/7/2025
On Tuesday, January 14th, One Health Organization board member Patrick Cannon displayed extraordinary bravery during a devastating house fire on Trillium Court in Mentor, Ohio.
When Patrick saw the fire, he immediately contacted the homeowner, Jeff Roborecki, who was at work.
Knowing that Jeff’s family, including his two young daughters (ages 8 and 6), was not home, Patrick’s first question was for the door code so he could rescue their pets.
Just before the fire, Jeff's daughters celebrated Christmas with Roxie (left) and Lola (right) in festive attire. If you look closely, you'll see Kiki the cat curled up peacefully under the Christmas tree in between the two dogs.
A Race Against Time to Save the Pets
Patrick arrived at the scene with neighbor Ed Klein, a Mentor firefighter.
As the fire intensified, Ed recognized the danger and decided not to enter.
However, Patrick, on sheer adrenaline, rushed into the burning home to save the family's pets: Roxie, a 3-year-old golden retriever; Lola, a Newfoundland; and their cat, Kiki.
Inside the home, Patrick found Roxie penned in at the back glass door, surrounded by flames. He swiftly carried her to safety and then attempted to re-enter the house to find Lola and Kiki.
Unfortunately, the smoke was too thick, and with limited instructions on Lola’s location, he could not reach her.
When the Mentor firefighters on duty arrived with their trucks and equipment, they prevented Patrick from going back inside for his own safety.
A Bittersweet Outcome for the Roborecki Family
Firefighters rescued Lola, who had suffered from smoke inhalation.
She was transported by ambulance to a veterinary clinic, with an oxygen mask designed for pets, becoming the first dog in Mentor to receive such a transport. She is now recovering, with her vet bills totaling around $6,000.
"Had he not done what he did, Roxie would not have made it," said Jeff. "Patrick is definitely a hero to my family."
Sadly, the family’s cat, Kiki, did not survive the fire.
Kiki was a cherished member of the family, and her loss has been deeply felt by the entire family.
Celebrating Everyday Heroes Like Patrick Cannon
"We are incredibly proud to have Patrick on our board," said Dr. Anna van Heeckeren, Founder of One Health Organization.
"His courage and compassion are a true reflection of One Health Organization’s mission—to support and protect the bond between people and their pets, even in the most difficult times."
"All I can say is wow," added Melissa Elick, Director of Community Relations and Development at One Health Organization. "Patrick, you are an incredible human. I'm so thankful you were not harmed. We need people like you with the courage and pure love for pets."
A Joyful Reunion: Lola and Roxie Back Together
After weeks of recovery, Lola and Roxie were finally able to reunite.
Their joyful reunion, captured on video, shows them playing outside, a heartwarming reminder of the resilience of pets and the power of compassion.
One Health Organization is honored to share this story, celebrating Patrick’s heroism and the power of compassion.
